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      Sebastian Vettel closing in on shock move to F1 Aston Martin team next season after being dumped by Ferrari

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL is closing in on signing for the Aston Martin F1 team next season.
      The four-time world champion revealed that he was shocked to learn he was being dumped by Ferrari at the end of this season.

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      Sebastian Vettel is desperate to stay in Formula One after he is dumped by Ferrari at the end of the seasonCredit: EPA
      Vettel, 33, is desperate to stay in F1 and is now being persuaded to join the Silverstone-based team, currently known as Racing Point.
      Aston Martin F1 will be headed up by Canadian tycoon Lawrence Stroll, and he wants to partner Vettel alongside his son, Lance, who currently drives for the team.
      It would mean Racing Point, formerly known as Force India, would be required to release Sergio Perez.
      The Mexican has only recently signed a new deal with the team until 2022 however, SunSPORT understands that there is a release clause that the team can trigger before July 31st.

      Vettel’s signature would be a huge signing for Aston Martin, who are hoping their on-track success in F1 revives the British car brand.
      The four-time world champion could be the perfect foil for Stroll junior, 21, who has shown glimpses of his ability.
      Back in January, Stroll’s consortium made a £182million investment in return for a 16.7 per cent stake in Aston Martin with him being named as executive chairman.

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      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has also made a personal investment in Aston Martin, which Mercedes say is not a conflict of interest.
      Wolff is close friends with Vettel and has spoken about the former Red Bull man being an asset to any team.
      Meanwhile, Perez’s availability, plus his financial backing from Mexican sponsors, is likely to interest the Haas F1 team.

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      Lewis Hamilton warned he faces PRISON along with other British F1 drivers if they breach Hungarian Grand Prix quarantine

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and his fellow British F1 drivers have been told they could face PRISON if they break strict isolation rules this week in Hungary.
      The draconian punishment has been slapped on all Brits working in Formula One by Hungarian ministers – however not to fellow Europeans.

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      Lewis Hamilton has been warned he risks being sent to PRISON if he breaks strict isolation rules in HungaryCredit: Splash News
      Despite the announcement of “air bridges” between the UK and Hungary, all British nationals involved with the race are only allowed to travel to and from their hotels and the Hungaroring.
      It means that Hamilton, Lando Norris or George Russell – plus around 1,700 others making the journey in teams and media – could face a spell in jail, or up to a €15,000 (£13,400) fine, if they breach protocol.
      F1 teams have been told they MUST eat at the track or their hotels, with stopping for petrol or to buy a bottle of water, potentially landing them in hot water.
      Hamilton, who will sleep at the track in a motorhome to avoid any unnecessary risks, said: “I was only made aware of it before qualifying.

      “It doesn’t affect me because I stay at the track, but there will be protocols in place for the team.
      “They have been fantastic in terms of how they have managed their bubble during this time.
      “I don’t know how their set-up will be and it is unfortunate that unlike us, they cannot stay at the track.
      “It is a challenge but these are challenging times and why we are taking it very seriously.”

      F1’s governing body, the FIA, had hoped to get an exemption for all of those who have been part of the bubble given the strict testing protocols for Covid-19.

      The draconian punishment has been slapped on all Brits working in Formula One by Hungarian ministersCredit: Alamy
      Many personnel are now trying to change travel plans to allow them to stay in Austria before going in to strict lockdown.
      Mclaren ace Norris added: “We have to be at track or hotel but I am happy with room service everyday.
      “I can watch Netflix and play Call of Duty but there will be limitations. I cannot go out for a cycle or a run.”
      Seven of F1’s teams are based in Britain and are now hoping that the sport is able to reverse the decision, which is understood to come as a result of the UK’s increasing coronavirus risk.

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      And they are pressing for the grey areas to be cleared up with regard as to what is permitted, including walking from their hotels to their hire cars.
      It is a blow to F1 after ZERO positive Covid tests in the past two weeks as they finally get the sport up and running.
      Hamilton was in superb form at the Styrian Grand Prix last week, dispelling any lingering disappointment from missing out on the podium in the first race of the season.
      The Brit star dominated from pole to take the chequered flag, holding off team-mate Valtteri Bottas in second and Max Verstappen back in third.

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      How F1 Hungarian Grand Prix quarantine will work with Lewis Hamilton and Brits handed strict measures at track

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      BRITISH drivers, staff and media are having to comply with incredibly strict quarantine measures at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix – or face the threat of jail.
      Formula 1 has been unable to secure an exemption for their workers heading to Budapest for the third race of the season – amid the coronavirus pandemic.

      Hungarian officials have slapped UK entrants into the country with a strict set of rules that could have a large impact on the Grand Prix.
      Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton is set to arrive in the country on Thursday and will not be allowed outside for the entirety of his stay.
      Brits are only allowed to visit their hotel room and their place of work.
      When travelling between the two destinations, they must avoid public transport and drive themselves – without being allowed to stop.

      If any of the 1,700 drivers, engineers, team staff or media from the UK venture out to buy a bottle of water, take some exercise or fill up with petrol, they face a huge fine.
      Hungarian authorities have threatened a spell in jail or a €15,000 (£13,400) fine for breaches.
      As he did in Austria, Hamilton will head straight to the circuit when he arrives in the country and pitch up in a luxury motorhome.
      Fellow British racers George Russell and Lando Norris are likely to do as they and their teams did in Spielberg, and remain in their hotels when not at the track.

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      Facemasks and social distancing are all strictly enforced during race weekends in F1Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Podiums have been erected on tracks with remote controlled robots delivering trophiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      F1 are maintaining ‘bubble’ protocols for the early months of the 2020 season where only a couple of designated people, typically their manager and physio, are allowed close contact with drivers.
      One example of the altered race weekend is the use of temporary, socially-distanced podiums on the track with trophies delivered by robotic plinths.
      So far, the plans have been a success with zero coronavirus cases emerging in Austria amid two fascinating races.
      Of the Hungarian measures, Hamilton said: “It doesn’t affect me because I stay at the track, but there will be protocols in place for the team.
      “They have been fantastic in terms of how they have managed their bubble during this time.
      “I don’t know how their set-up will be and it is unfortunate that unlike us, they cannot stay at the track.

      It is a challenge but these are challenging times and why we are taking it very seriously.”
      Lewis Hamilton

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      “It is a challenge but these are challenging times and why we are taking it very seriously.”
      McLaren youngster Norris added: “We have to be at the track or hotel but I am happy with room service everyday.
      “I can watch Netflix and play Call of Duty but there will be limitations. I cannot go out for a cycle or a run.”

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      Lewis Hamilton ready to cement place in history with record eighth win at Hungary GP and equal icon Michael Schumacher

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is ready to cement his place as king of the ‘ring by going for a record-equalling eighth win at the Hungarian GP.
      The Brit has more wins than any other F1 driver at the Hungaroring and is just one-shy of Michael Schumacher’s haul of eight wins at a single track.

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      Hamilton is hoping to win his eighth Hungary GP this weekend – a single track recordCredit: Alamy Live News

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      Michael Schumacher won eight French GPs at Magny-CoursCredit: Reuters
      Schumacher won eight French GPs at Magny-Cours, an achievement that Hamilton can equal on Sunday.
      Hamilton said: “Every time I am reminded of the records Michael has, it is just mind blowing to me.
      “How many wins, how many championships and pole positions.
      “It is record after record. I am constantly reminded of his greatness and the success he had.

      “I have always loved Hungary.
      “I don’t know why there are tracks we excel on, other that we are good on and others that we are mediocre in racing terms.
      “Budapest and Montreal have been my strongest, so I am excited to go back.”
      Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel says he will not turn his back on Ferrari and quit the team mid-season.

      The four-time world champion has not been offered a new deal by the team for 2021 and is understood to be increasingly frustrated.
      The German was wiped out by his teammate, Charles Leclerc, in last weekend’s Styrian Grand Prix but says he’s not ready to quit the team.
      He said: “I’m not running away from it. I think I have something to prove mostly to myself. And that’s why I’m here for.
      “Obviously a lot of guys in the team have given so much to me in the last couple of years.
      “Just out of respect, I want to give that support back and bring it to a worthy end, so I’m not at all even considering running away.”
      Reports in Germany suggest Vettel could join Silverstone-based Racing Point in 2021 when they will become Aston Martin F1.

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      Vettel added: “Obviously my future at this stage is open. Anything is possible.
      “If the right package comes up, then I’m very interested.
      “If not, then I’m certainly not the type of guy that just hangs around just to participate or grab some money.
      “That has never been my intention.” More

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      British Formula E star Sam Bird makes huge switch to Jaguar from Virgin Racing

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      BRITISH Formula E star Sam Bird has made the big switch from Virgin to Jaguar.
      Bird, 33, has competed in every FE race since the all-electric series started in 2014 and is the only driver to have won a race in each season.

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      Sam Bird will join Jaguar at the start of next seasonCredit: Formula E
      Bird will finish the remainder of this campaign with Virgin in what will be a six-race showdown in the space of nine days in Berlin before joining Jaguar for next season.
      The experienced driver will join Jaguar’s current title contender Mitch Evans, who is second in the championship by 11 points.
      Bird will say farewell to Virgin after being with the team for six years, since the first FE race in Beijing in 2014.
      Bird said: “I am really looking forward to a new chapter in my Formula E career with Panasonic Jaguar.

      “I have watched Jaguar’s growth and progress in the series and am very proud to be driving for an iconic British brand with such a successful racing DNA and joining an incredible list of drivers that have raced for the brand.
      “I am incredibly hungry for success and I believe that together with Mitch we can achieve great things for the team and ourselves.
      “I want to thank Envision Virgin Racing for everything we have achieved together and wish them well for the future.
      “After Berlin, I can’t wait to test the Jaguar I-TYPE and be in the best place possible for season seven and beyond.”

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      Sam Bird will join title-contender Mitch Evans next season
      Jaguar’s team director James Barclay is licking his lips at the prospect of having two title contenders next year.
      Bird took the fight for the championship to the final race weekend in 2018 against two-time FE champion Jean-Eric Vergne.
      Barclay said: “With Mitch and Sam we believe that we have arguably one of the strongest driver line-ups on the grid.
      “With extremely close competition it is clear that to be successful in Formula E you need two drivers who can be competing for podiums at every race.
      “We now have two proven race winners that are capable of enabling us to challenge for both team and driver championship titles next season.”

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      Lewis Hamilton ahead of Schumacher and Senna on list of the 10 greatest F1 drivers of all time

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      WITH a sixth world title Lewis Hamilton’s place among the greatest Formula One drivers is assured.
      But where does the Brit racer, 35, rank among the very best of them all?

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      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      SunSport’s Ben Hunt puts the Mercedes man, at the very top of the list ahead of Ayrton Senna and seven-time champ Michael Schumacher.
      Check out his full run-down of the top 10 below and let us know who YOU think is the greatest of all time.

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      Victory at last week’s Mexican Grand Prix put Hamilton on the brink of a sixth Driver’s ChampionshipCredit: AP:Associated Press
      1. Lewis Hamilton
      Like Michael Schumacher and Aytron Senna before him, Hamilton has taken F1 to a new level when it comes to dominating races.
      Astonishingly consistent, brilliant over a qualifying lap and smart race-craft. Rarely makes a mistake. Always delivers.

      2. Ayrton Senna
      Supremely talented and wonderfully competitive. Senna’s raw talent over a single-lap made him a hero, as did his ability to win races in any conditions.
      Hugely passionate, he helped elevate the publicity of F1 to new levels.
      3. Michael Schumacher
      All-time record hold for most wins (91) and titles (seven), Schumacher’s record stands as the best in F1 history.
      His meticulous focus and attention to details helped make him a multiple world champion, even if his racing methods were called into question.

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      Schumacher won an unprecedented seven championships during a glittering careerCredit: Reuters
      4. Jim Clark
      The greatest driver of his generation, Clark was a two-time world champion and won 25 times in 72 starts – more than any other driver at the time.
      His versatility also saw him win the Indy 500, the British Touring Car Championship, the Tasman Series in Australian and New Zealand.
      5. Juan Manuel Fangio
      One of the pioneers of Formula One, Fangio won an incredible five world titles when the sport was in its infancy.
      With safety at a minimum and reliability commonplace, the Argentine was a remarkably consistent performer.

      6. Sir Jackie Stewart
      Won his three world titles during a dangerous period in Formula One’s history.
      Stewart saw countless competitors perish in the cockpit and set about making safety improvements.
      A wonderfully measured driver who was also calm behind the wheel.
      7. Niki Lauda
      Tenacious competitor both on and off track.
      A true hero after coming back from suffering horrific burns in 1976 following a crash at the Nurburgring only to make an astonishing comeback just six weeks later.
      He won the F1 title the following season.

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      Niki Lauda scooped three championships during the 70s and 80sCredit: Getty – Contributor
      8. Alain Prost
      The Frenchman enjoyed a titanic battle with Senna for F1 supremacy.
      For what he lost out in natural ability compared to the Brazilian, he made up for it with ruthlessness and dedication.
      A smooth driver in the same mould as Stewart and Clark.
      9. Sir Stirling Moss
      Without doubt the best driver never to win a Formula One world title.
      Fabulously charming and such a wonderful character.
      The Brit won 212 of the 529 races he entered.

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      10. Fernando Alonso
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      But for poor choice when it comes to making decisions about which teams to race for, he should have been rivalling Hamilton for titles.

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      Mercedes set to confirm Valtteri Bottas contract extension until end of 2021 season – with Lewis Hamilton not far behind

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      MERCEDES are expected to confirm that Valtteri Bottas has signed a new deal to remain as Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate next season.
      The Finn is understood to have agreed a one-year extension to his current deal to take him up to the end of the 2021 season.

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      Valtteri Bottas is expected to sign a new deal and remain a Mercedes driver
      Bottas is currently top of the drivers’ championship having won the first race back after the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
      Hamilton lagged behind his colleague on the opening weekend, finishing fourth in the Austrian Grand Prix after a penalty.
      But the 35-year-old turned things around this weekend and Mercedes will now turn their attention to signing up the world champion.
      The Brit is just behind Bottas in the current standings despite winning the Styrian Grand Prix on Sunday.

      It was a Mercedes one-two as Bottas held off the challenge of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to claim his second successive podium finish.
      And the duo look set to continue their fruitful partnership into the coming seasons.

      It is understood that Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius has given his blessing for the team to retain its current pairing, despite the availability of Sebastian Vettel.
      Vettel will leave Ferrari at the end of this season and had been tipped as an outsider to partner Hamilton in 2021, as he is friends with Merc boss Toto Wolff.

      The four-time World Champ previously revealed his exit from the Italian team was anything but mutual.
      The German, 33, explained how he was brutally snubbed as no new contract was ever offered to him.
      Ferrari have had a disastrous start to the season with both drivers way off the pace and things went from bad to worse on Sunday.
      Vettel and team-mate Charles Leclerc were forced into early retirements after smashing into EACH OTHER on the very first lap.
      Leclerc later apologised for his role in the calamitous race for Ferrari.

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      Bottas’ new deal would kill off any hope that Vettel would be offered a competitive car, forcing him to take a sabbatical next year or call time on his F1 career all-together.
      Meanwhile, Hamilton is expected to start talks over a new deal worth up to £40million a year.
      The 35-year-old has made no secret of the fact that he wishes to remain with the team while driver salaries are not subject to being part of F1’s incoming cost cap.

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      F1 bracing for first positive coronavirus test after incredible 10,000 negative during Austrian Grand Prix

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      FORMULA ONE chiefs are bracing themselves for their first positive coronavirus test since the season started. The sport was forced to cancel the season-opener in March when McLaren pulled out of the Australian GP when a member of staff tested positive for COVID-19. Formula One chiefs are preparing themselves for their first positive coronavirus test […] More